The Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) approved new development projects worth Rs3 billion in its 31st meeting of the fiscal year. The session was chaired by Planning and Development (P&D) Board Chairman Dr. Naeem Rauf.
The projects cover Environment, Forestry, Wildlife, Fisheries, and Tourism sectors. The largest project is the establishment of an Environment Protection Force across 10 zones of Punjab. The force will cost an estimated Rs2.948 billion.
Other approvals included the Digital Enumeration of Linear Plantations and strengthening of the PM&E Wing of the Forest Department. A Programme Management Unit will also be set up to design and execute the Tourism Promotion and Business Development Plan. This unit will oversee IT-based interventions to improve efficiency. Senior officials, including P&D Board Secretary Rafaqat Ali and Chief Economist Masood Anwar, were present in the meeting.
In a related development, Punjab Secretary for Sports and Youth Affairs, Muzaffar Khan Sial, announced a major expansion of sports infrastructure. He said billions of rupees are being invested in both grassroots and elite-level projects. Out of 88 planned schemes, 55 have already been cleared.
The new plan includes building multi-purpose sports complexes with modern facilities. Sial directed officials to speed up approvals for pending projects and resolve administrative delays. He also highlighted the need to repair sports facilities damaged by recent floods.
“Our athletes deserve continuous access to training and competitions,” Sial stated. He added that Punjab is determined to provide every district with quality sports infrastructure.
This wide-scale development reflects Punjab’s broader strategy to combine environmental protection, tourism growth, and sports promotion. The government aims to engage youth, nurture talent, and create sustainable opportunities for the province’s future.
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